USA vs. Azerbaijan: Live Player Ratings for USMNT

The United States defeated Azerbaijan, 2-0, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Mix Diskerud and Aron Johannsson came off the bench to score goals in the second half, both of which were created by set pieces.

Continue reading below for complete analysis and player ratings for every American player that stepped on the pitch in San Francisco.

United States Player Ratings

Player

Half-time Rating

Full-time Rating

Tim Howard

6

6.5

Fabian Johnson

6.2

6.7

Geoff Cameron

6.5

6.5

Matt Besler

5.5

6

DaMarcus Beasley

6.5

6.5

Jermaine Jones

6

7

Alejandro Bedoya

7

6.7

Graham Zusi

7.5

7.5

Michael Bradley

6.5

6.7

Chris Wondolowski

7

6.5

Jozy Altidore

6

5.5

Omar Gonzalez

N/A

6

Brad Davis

N/A

7.5

Timothy Chandler

N/A

6.5

DeAndre Yedlin

N/A

6.3

Aron Johannsson

N/A

7

Mix Diskerud

N/A

7

B/R UK

Half-time Analysis:

Tim Howard: As expected, he didn't have to do much in the American net.

Fabian Johnson: Johnson was the most active defender in the attack, but none of his crosses resulted in serious chances.

Geoff Cameron: Overshadowed by Besler's shaky play, Cameron had a solid first half in front of Howard.

Matt Besler: The Sporting Kansas City player looked a bit shaky early on, as his turnover in the seventh minute resulted in an Azerbaijan corner. Whether it was nerves or something else, he needs to improve quickly.

DaMarcus Beasley: Made a strong challenge in the 25th minute to deny Aliyev of a headed chance on goal. Other than that, the World Cup veteran had a solid first half.

Jermaine Jones: No yellow cards or unnecessary fouls were committed by Jones, but he did scream at the assistant referee late in the first half, which could've earned him a yellow for dissent.

Alejandro Bedoya: Was able to combine well with Zusi on a few short corners, and it looks like he has earned Klinsmann's trust on the wing in the absence of Landon Donovan.

Graham Zusi: Was easily the best player on the pitch during the first stanza thanks to his accurate set pieces and crosses from the wings.

Michael Bradley: Bradley didn't make any mistakes, but he also didn't wow us with his skills in an advanced role in attack.

Chris Wondolowski: The late replacement for Clint Dempsey had a few chances to score, but he could not find the back of the net off of two terrific services.

Jozy Altidore: Showed more signs of his Sunderland form than his 2013 national-team form.

Full-time Analysis:

Howard: Had an easy night in between the pipes for the Americans, as Azerbaijan sat back and defended for most of the match.

Johnson: Was the most active defender moving forward, but he did not create many scoring chances. On defense, he had a solid game against a side that didn't press forward much.

Cameron: Had a strong 45 minutes before being taken off in favor of Gonzalez. The center-back competition will heat up Sunday against Turkey.

Besler: After an inefficient first half, Besler got better as the game progressed, but he was also not challenged as much in the second half.

Beasley: Did well at left-back before giving way to Timothy Chandler, but his starting spot in Brazil is not set in stone. However, he did do good enough to earn a starting role against Turkey.

Jones: Shockingly, Jones did not make any costly errors, and proved for at least one game, that he is capable of playing the defensive midfield role in the diamond.

Bedoya: Had a case of heavy legs during his final minutes on the pitch, which caused him to be less of a threat than he was in the first half.

Zusi: Did nothing wrong in the minds of many during the first half and was saved for tougher opposition over the next week by leaving at halftime.

Bradley: His shot in the 75th minute was cleared off the line, but Diskerud was there to clean it up and score the first goal. By not having to track back and help out Jones, Bradley was able to flex his offensive muscle to an extent.

Wondolowski: His audition for a starting role went well, but not converting on one of his two first-half chances may come back to hurt him.

Altidore: Was close to nonexistent in the attack all night, and despite showing a few signs of life in the build-up to a few attacks, he never caused much trouble up front.

Substitutes:

Omar Gonzalez: Was not asked to do much at the back during 45 minutes of play, which means his playing time against Turkey and Nigeria will become even more valuable as he looks to solidify a starting role.

Brad Davis: Used his left foot to create the two American goals, one on a free-kick, and the other on a corner. He more than justified his place on the roster with his performance.

Timothy Chandler: Didn't do much to impress many, but he also didn't commit any major mistakes at an unfamiliar left-back position.

DeAndre Yedlin: After a few defensive hiccups during his first few minutes on the pitch, he settled into the rhythm of the game, and was able to move forward in the attack.

Aron Johannsson: Was left wide open to score the second goal, which is something Wondolowski failed to do in the first half.

Mix Diskerud: The new No. 10 made all the headlines with his goal, but he also proved that he could be a valuable sub when Group G rolls around.